"Doctoral Researchers in Molecular Medicine"

Doctoral Researchers in Molecular Medicine

As part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is recruiting 4–5 doctoral researchers in the FIMM-EMBL International PhD Programme, starting in August 2026. In this interdisciplinary programme, outstanding doctoral researchers are recruited at the institute level in the scope of the main research areas at FIMM. Through the FIMM-EMBL rotation system, doctoral researchers engage in projects with 2–3 different research groups at FIMM during a 6–9-month period before selecting a research group for their doctoral research. The program provides an exciting opportunity to explore and combine different research areas as well as to learn a variety of scientific skills and technologies while making connections within and beyond the institute.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Research training in diverse research areas with exceptional potential for collaborations.
• Exciting opportunity to conduct impactful research in a supportive and stimulating environment.
• Access to top-notch research infrastructures and resources.
• Plenty of opportunities to build scientific network and excellent support for career and professional development.

YOUR PROFILE

• Highly motivated with a second cycle academic degree (MSc, MD or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, cell biology, computer science, genetics, medicine, or other related fields, obtained before the start of the position (August 2026).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with problem solving and troubleshooting aptitude.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by February 6, 2026 (23:59 EET) via the ‘Apply Now’ button below. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit their applications by using the “Employee Login” button.

The applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) including how applicant’s academic background and research interests fit the programme’s goal of diverse research training.
• Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages), structured as per TENK guidelines completing the sections relevant for applicant’s career stage and the target position.
• Two reference letters submitted by the referees via the Online Reference form.

The motivation letter and curriculum vitae must be attached as a single PDF file during application submission. Applicants are responsible for sending the link to the Online Reference Form – provided in the application portal – to their referees. Applicants should contact their referees in advance to confirm their availability and willingness to provide a reference, and to ensure that the letters are submitted by 12 February 2026. We only accept references provided through institutional email accounts. Only in cases where the referee does not have an institutional email address, i.e. only holds a ‘hotmail’, ‘gmail’ etc. account, we ask the referees to print the online reference form on institutional headed paper, and send a signed copy as a PDF document to rubina.tabassum@helsinki.fi.

Note that applications not adhering to the instructions, with incomplete information or missing reference letters will not be considered. If you have any questions about the positions and application process, please contact FIMM’s Doctoral Training Coordinator, Rubina Tabassum (rubina.tabassum@helsinki.fi). If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application review will begin after the call has closed. Top candidates will be selected and invited for two rounds of interviews with a selection committee in the late March and early May 2026. The candidates selected for the positions will be offered an initial contract for 18 months starting from mid-August 2026, during the first half of which they will engage in training through 2–3 research group rotations. Upon a successful review and selection of a research group after the rotational period, the initial contract will be extended up to a 4-year period. We value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position, without regard to age, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin or disability.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is based on the salary system of the Finnish universities. The starting salary is typically around 2500 EUR per month and rises gradually as the PhD work progresses based on the University of Helsinki salary scheme. The University of Helsinki provides its staff with occupational health and support for sports services as well as professional development opportunities. More information about the employee benefits at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/staff-benefits.